AUBURN — Moving ME Forward, a local nonprofit, has been moved to begin work in the community, creating mentors in the field of health and wellness that will give back to youth by confronting childhood obesity, with a vision of impacting the health and wellness of the community one person at a time.

Community-based interventions for childhood obesity prevention are in their infancy. The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis. One in every three children (31.7%) ages 2-19 is overweight or obese. The life-threatening consequences of this epidemic create a call for action. The current generation may be on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.

The Lake Auburn Half Marathon, 5K Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run on Sunday, Sept. 13, is the major fundraiser for Moving ME Forward. The event will include Oakie from Oakhurst Dairy, Slugger the Sea Dog, Monty the Moose from the credit unions and kid-friendly activities.

The intent is to have an opportunity for children to give back and to move. Their giving back can be as simple as giving a jar of peanut butter, a package of diapers, some cans of tuna, some of their gently used children’s books, volunteering to help someone else. The Evergreen Subaru Kids Fun Run is up to age 8, the .5K, and 8 to 12, the 1K.

For all other ages, there will be a Lamey Wellehan 5K Walk/Run and a Central Maine Conditioning Clinic Half Marathon at Central Maine Community College. The nonprofit event supports the local community through personal, business and private contributions.

FMI: www.lakeauburnhalf.com, https://www.facebook.com/LAHM5KKidsFunRun.

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